PhD Studentship - Advancement and Application of Microwave and Radar Techniques for Non-Destructive Testing

Deadline: All year Round

How to apply: uom.link/pgr-apply

UK only

This PhD studentship is open to Home (UK) EU applicants with pre-settled status (funded by TWI Ltd). The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend (depending on circumstance) set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26; subject to annual uplift), and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert will be removed once the position has been filled.

With the growing use of non-metallic structural materials, such as glass fibre-reinforced plastic in the marine and renewable energy sectors and polymers for instance, high-density polyethylene in pipelines, non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of these materials is becoming a growing and pressing challenge. This project aims to increase the technology readiness level of microwave NDE by addressing fundamental laboratory challenges and transferring techniques to practical use. The project involves the investigation and realization of improved microwave probe design, data processing, and visualization techniques to provide a robust method of data analysis, flaw characterization and sizing. AI/machine learning algorithms for data processing, assisted or automated flaw detection, 3D EM solvers, and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) focusing will be used to refine spatial resolution.

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

To apply, please contact the main supervisor: Prof Anthony Peyton - a.peyton@manchester.ac.uk. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

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